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On Friday (7th August), a memorial garden to tenant champion Arthur Goff will be unveiled close to where he lived at West Lane in Keighley.

Arthur’s wife Shirley and his family will be joined by friends and colleagues who have worked with him for many years.

Arthur, who died in 2008, worked tirelessly to help local people – young and old – and was delighted to see the modernisation of Incommunities homes across Keighley.

He was the chairperson for several local groups including the LOWLATA residents group, the Aire-Wharfe Alliance and the Bradford District Tenants and Residents Federation. He was also a Community Panel member with the Bradford & District Youth Offending Team.

Arthur received a number of accolades for his community work including the 1999 Bob Pursell Award for outstanding tenant involvement and a Year of the Volunteer Award (2006).

The attractive garden built in his tribute includes bench seating, attractive paving around a grassed area and colourful borders. The plans were drawn up in consultation with Arthur’s family and local residents.

The scheme was supported by a donation from the Bradford District Tenants and Residents Federation and also backed by Incommunities.

Arthur had four sons and a daughter. One of his sons Gary said: “My father worked hard for local people and would be so delighted to see this community garden for everyone to enjoy. The whole family is touched by the support of everyone.”

Geraldine Howley, Incommunities Group Chief Executive said: “Arthur was a real tenant champion who was committed to improving peoples’ lives and was greatly respected by all who knew him.

“This peaceful garden is a lovely tribute to Arthur and something which will be enjoyed by all those he helped and knew.”